MEDIA RELEASE

A man was killed Monday (May 24, 2004) when his vehicle crashed on Old Mamalaohoa Highway (Route 180) just south of the three-mile marker.

The victim’s name was being withheld until notification of next of kin.

Responding to a 7:59 p.m. call, Kona patrol officers determined that the victim was driving a 1990 Nissan Multi-Purpose Vehicle south on the highway when it skidded off the road and struck a guardrail.

The victim was taken to the Kona community Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.

Police have not determined if speed or alcohol was a factor in the crash, and they have ordered an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death.

Monday’s death is the 19th traffic fatality on the Big Island so far this year, compared to 12 at the same time last year.